1955 Vincent Black Prince | Jay Leno's Garage

[@sbdracer]

My dad sold this bike to Jay and I got ride it down the road before we put in on the truck. Coming from a standard Japanese motorcycle with the brake on the right / shift lever on the left. Vincent’s had the levers on the opposite side and the shift patten is one up and four down (as I remember), you had to concentrate and ride this initially on a vacant road to practice. Jay is a down to earth guy and a really nice person

[@mattklein5498]

LOVE TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOU'RE DAD GOT FROM J

[@777jones]

When you sell to Jay, it’s not really about price. You are getting the best possible future for the vehicle.

[@SubTroppo]

That front mudguard reminds me of my old Honda C90. Now I know.

[@stephenbaron5681]

Jay said he paid $5500 in 1980.

[@sbdracer]

@@stephenbaron5681 I honestly don’t remember much he paid, but the year sounds pretty close. I would have guessed ‘82, ‘83

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Love it when you showcase stuff from your collection! The Black Prince was truly ahead of its time...

[@elaineargent7083]

My husband owned a Vincent Black Prince. .he was invited to be in George Orwell's film 1984.....in 1956...as a. *Thought. Police*. As there were few of these futuristic looking machines. All the chaps that owned one were also in the film....with Edmund O,Brien. Jan Sterling. Donald Pleasance. Michael Redgrave.. filmed at Elstree Studios...London Wall and Hyde Park

[@grahamhines6304]

I watch all of your car videos but I’m not, and never have been, a motorcycle guy. But, Jay, you’ve managed to make a motorcycle interesting to a dyed-in-the-wool car man. I guess that’s what you get when you watch a good enthusiast talking about his enthusiasm. Keep up the good work.

[@johnoconnor5581]

What a beautiful bike! Really kind of reminds me of the Honda PC800… aka the Pacific Coast which was available in the US in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The bike had very different body work over a traditional V-twin Honda that left some people thinking it was a large scooter. The rear cargo area on the PC800 opened up to expose an automotive like trunk. Like the Black Prince, the PC800 was not a sales success but was loved by those that owned them.

[@rushmatic]

Sooo true!

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

I’m 65 and remember when that motorcycle came out…. and fell in love with it. Never had a chance to ride one or own one , but maybe one day…………..🇨🇦👍

[@Roger_Ramjet]

@@tedium37 the Pacific coast was a twin not a four

[@tedium37]

@@Roger_Ramjet Right you are! Not sure why I thought that. I had a V65 Sabre and wanted an ST1100 or 1300 later and thought the PC was the little brother. I'm sure it was still quite a bike. I've never owned a bad Honda.

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Weird how that works. I remember in the early 2000’s they came out with I believe it was called valkyrie rune. It was pretty expensive and I think they moved slow. Now they bring really good money.

[@charger19691]

I love the way this Vincent sounds. I love a motorcycle engine that you can hear it coming without making dogs go nuts and car alarms go off. I really don’t mind the way it looks, It has a look of elegance. Looks like a motorcycle Bruce Wayne would ride around Gotham City. Thank you for sharing Jay!

[@georgejosephs8611]

Agreed!

[@spana123321]

One of the first Judge bikes perhaps🤔🤔🤔

[@fshn4x4]

I love the Bruce Wayne analogy. It seems like everyone has gravitated towards trying to make motorcycles Batman would ride, and forgotten that most of the time he's Bruce.

[@charger19691]

@@fshn4x4 , Thank you, when I first saw this motorcycle, I almost immediately thought of Bruce Wayne riding it on the outskirts of Gotham.

[@savage22bolt32]

Butugly bike imo

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

The Vincent owners club still exists and supports these bikes. You can get almost any part or find people who can work on them, too. A bike I really enjoyed working on and especially riding. Very long legged bike, especially a black shadow where the first to second gear shift not much below 50 MPH. The front suspension is great but an old design companies weren't interested in continuing until BMW reproduced it for their new K1200 bikes. Vincent really in a way was their own enemy, they suffered from making a bike so good that once people bought one they really didn't need to buy another. It was also an expensive bike at a time when Britain's economy was still recovering from WW2. A large number were sold as police bikes to Argentina to try to save the business. The club owns the original tooling and I believe factory as well, and as parts are needed will do production runs. Neat old bike from a rough time. Check out an Ariel square four sometime if you like these old bikes.

[@minkcreeksyncros]

I love the fact that Jay has had this bike for nearly 40 years and sharing it with us now. Thanks Jay!!

[@matthias4428]

HiJay, inspired by your motorcycle garage videos I acquired two Italian classic bikes - a 1955 Moto-Guzzi Airone 250 Turismo and a 1979 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Strada. Next year, 2022, my father Alfons and myself will join Milano-Taranto in Italy on this two beautiful motorcycles. Looking forward… keep on the good work. This Vincent Prince is grandissimo 🇮🇹 Ciao, Matthias

[@radisnooker5]

That's sounds awesome bro, hope you have lots of fun👍

[@BenMJay]

I just bought an Italian folding knife. I paid way too much but it is so good looking. It's a Sandrin. I love Italians attention to small details.

[@Bobo03x]

“It’s a Vincent Black Lightning - 1952” what a great song. That’s all I could think about in my head watching this

[@alternator7893]

Such a beautiful motor, and really cool how you can control the spark timing, wish they made more bikes like that.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Phil Irving was a genius... He used to live in the very spot in Ballarat, Australia where my house is. Hallowed motoring lands round here, very few know the story.

[@TheSpencer1982]

Yes! Keep up the motorcycle coverage Jay. You are an inspiration to guys like me. Just about finished with a 1966 Bonneville restoration, starting a Tiger Cub restoration for my son, and about to start a 1964 Norton atlas restoration. Keep up the good work!

[@Jf_1900]

Cool stuff bro 👍👍 would love to be doing that

[@tomcollierblognation136]

@@karera9706 your a dude and fake😂

[@tomcollierblognation136]

@junko your a dude and fake get off this channel 🤔🤣💯

[@paulflanagan6127]

I used to have a Tiger Cub in the 60s, I was 17 then and loved it, I did any jobs on it myself like taking the head off and redoing the valves and new valve springs. It was quicker than the slightly larger engine of the BSA C15. I know that because a guy used try and race me every morning going to work, he never beat my Tiger Cub. I also had a BSA A7 Shooting star. I wish I had both now. Good luck restoring your Cub, a great little bike.

[@TheSpencer1982]

@@Jf_1900 what’s stopping you?! Go for it!

[@JohnInSale]

Love it when Jay starts laughing to himself after he says it’s never been crashed, yet 🏍🤣

[@rideshareog]

Been there, crashed that.

[@lawrencebrandt8448]

I met mr. Leno at the rock store years ago and he was riding that bike and was kind enough to show and tell me about it . thank you jay .

[@tuberNunya]

What kind of rocks was he buying?

[@rickbullock4331]

Beautiful motorcycle for sure. It’s hard to believe that this particular bike is original from 1955. It’s nice to see that Jay takes such great care of these classic motorcycles and cars. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@georgejosephs8611]

Agreed!

[@The1trueDave]

10:14 "If you want to see the future of the British motorcycle industry, imagine a boot stamping on a kickstart, forever..."

[@buckfaststradler4629]

🤣

[@spigot993]

Thanks Leno, have you ever visited Sammy Miller's museum in the United Kingdom, New Forest? Great area for riding, and Sammy still continues to restore bikes there and ride them, he has a collection of around 400 motorcycles.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Sammy Miller, the legend!...while other kids were trading baseball cards & following sports legends, I was enamored with guys like Sammy Miller, Mick Andrews & the like. Visiting his museum is definitely on my bucket list!👍Bultaco Cemoto!

[@spigot993]

@@ftby59mikeD I pop down there regularly, he gave myself and others a tour of the workshop this year, interesting bloke.

[@bsacahania]

we want more of motorcycle episodes from you JAY. i watched this 3 times over and over.

[@kylepreston8512]

Jay, thank you for letting all of us live vicariously through you and these videos. Keep the shiny side up my friend.

[@Miata822]

That sound, that smith speedometer, this bike oozes Classic. I'm a Triumph guy but would ride that in a heartbeat. So glad Jay rides 'em rather than letting 'em rot away museum style.

[@robcreel4257]

Great bike! Love the sound, even through the camera. The veritable unicorn. I've never seen one in person. Thanks for keeping these babies alive!

[@billonthehill9984]

This bike was way ahead of it's time back in1955... ( I was 2 years old. ) It is ironic that less sophisticated British bikes, i.e. Norton, BSA, Triumph, etc. essentially spelled the demise of the Vincent... The side panels based on my modern day sensibilities make this one homely looking machine, open it up, I want to see that beautiful engineering in all of it's glory! A beautiful machine Jay & no doubt worth far more dollars in it's stock form, thanks for sharing this treasure... Bill on the Hill... :~)

[@neutral7526]

This has become my favorite KZbin channel. Jay Leno seems to me one of the most knowledgeable car enthusiasts out there. From a historical preservation perspective no one that collects cars and motorcycles seems to do a better job. Very cool

[@williamwintemberg]

I never knew Vincent made this bike! What a nice surprise. Seems every video Jay makes teaches me something. Thanks Jay!

[@ronvalente65]

What a wonderful motorcycle! and it sounds stunning! when you see the ideas they had to make life easier they were very advanced, some years ago in the 90s in North Wales I saw a guy with a black Shadow stopped at the side of the road, I stopped my car and went to assist him, he was okay it was all sorted, he was waiting for his two Friends to meet him, they were going down into Europe on a tour, he had had the bike from New in 1955, he'd rebuilt the engine once I think he told me! next thing two bikes pulled up behind us, another Black Shadow and an early Hrd Vincent, what a sight to see, how often would you see that today!

[@ScoutingForZen]

Oh, that's a BEAUTIFUL bike! Thank you for taking is through such a neat machine, Jay

[@natanpierce495]

Jay, your talk show was so so. But these episodes of your garage? FANTASTIC!

[@badlyniceness2315]

What a fine looking engine,and a unique machine in general,thanks Jay,my last ride was a 78 750 tiger triumph.The 5 th gear made all the difference,man that bike had balls, it even had an extra one ,as I bought it from a friend who wrecked it and got his ball cut off…

[@gregshamieh6339]

Going back a few years, when people in the technology business still went to work, I was getting to customer sites on my BMW K1200LT. My use of that bike actually conformed to the design spec for the Black Prince -- all weather, business attire under a riding suit, and tools and lunch onboard. Whenever I went to Northern Virginia, I kept seeing someone in traffic on a Black Prince. Predictably, it was ALWAYS when it was pouring rain, and we were the only two idiots out there on bikes. Never did manage to catch him to talk, dangit. But it does prove that the design concept was valid, even if the Total Addressable Market was only me and that guy. 😁

[@chuckb470]

My dad rode to work nearly every day for 34 years. Suit and tie. He had Matchless, Indians and Harleys, but settled on the Beemers. Rode the wheels off of half dozen Rs and Ks... ❤

[@kenyull9906]

Great machine I bought one after having advice from one John Surtees. It was in the last 12 made. My future wife a couple of years or so later and I needed to sell the Vinnie for somewhere to start our lives together. But the Black remains in my memories even now. It was rather special having a few extras not seen but improved performance. Top speed over 128 cruise all day at 120. RPM around 5000. Max 5800. Oh did I say, it was a Black Knight. HP not tested but estimated as at least 60.

[@bbb462cid]

Surtees knew a thing or two about motorcycles

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Dang that’s pretty crazy. My Dad used to have a fairly rare either ‘69 or ‘70 Charger. Similar story, he had to sell it when he knocked my Mom up. He said back then even rare big block musclecars weren’t considered anything special, if anything the big block cars brought less money because of the gas crisis. I think he got $2000 for it and today that same car would be pushing $500,000 plus.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Jay- Funny that you would mention the movie "1984", because along with that one and the old Mike Judge movie, "Idiocracy", we're currently living them BOTH.

[@paulfoster4686]

Thanks Jay, always good to see a Vincent, particularly one so beautifully presented and running like a sewing machine.

[@twentyrothmans7308]

How the hell did you find that? Amazing. Jay, you're a true aesthete.

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

So back in the 80's a very young looking Jay was featured on this bike in popular mechanics I think. As a young boy who's family all rode bike he was / is a bit of a hero. My mother saved my favorite magazines over the years. And then I got married she gave me a bunch of framed pictures for my new home. Jay on the Vincint was one of them. I still have those framed pictures. Survived 2 cat 5 hurricanes in the Caribbean and now reside in Florida. Thank you for all those awesome dreams you inspired in a young man.

[@raysmith1630]

And I said to myself...a Vincent what??? This is a really cool motorcycle! Once Jay pointed out that they were used in the movie "1984" ( a movie that I have seen many times) I remembered them quite clearly. Definitely a motorcycle that you don't see very often. Great video Jay! Cheers and fair winds Brother.

[@RichardHallam-p6r]

May I ask, What's the Name of that Film, made back in 1984?

[@samiam5557]

My rod and staff comfort me too. Good video Mr. J.

[@gregoriousgilbert519]

Thy Rod and Staff O Lord comfort me.... nice biblical reference. cool bike. One question.... How much did that prince go for at auction??? 55horses... wow!!!!

[@momnc4721]

Two wheel Bentley, need I say anything more! Mr. Leno you are truly a automotive, mechanical historian about all things with motors, thank you Mr. Leno again for the great history lesson🙏🏽

[@plunder1956]

I used to work with a services engineer called Peter. He'd had all these great bikes. The HRD, Square 4, Black Shadow and several others. Then he had a bad fall on a building site & damaged his leg badly, so he couldn't ride any more. But he was still a genuine throw back to the 50s & 60s with amazing stories. It was an amazing era for British Bikes. In my school in the early 70s I knew several teachers riding Triumph, BSA, Scott & Velocette as daily bikes, because they were still superb to ride. Then gradually bikes like the Honda CB750 took over.

[@scottmillaway8226]

I could talk about this bike all day with you Jay. When you give it the gas, it just sounds so strong.

[@Vince1266]

Always great to see the work of the 2 Phils. Thanks, Jay.

[@ernesttravers7517]

Great video Jay I went into London from, Hastings to buy a Vincent Passed the shop at 11am, but there was a barrier along the road To turn right in London you had to go left to cross the main road, then come back to turn right No right turns Half way around there was a diversion and I passed the same shop going the same way at 5pm So seperated the barrier and crossed the road There were a number of Vincents including a Black Prince, but the shop owner would not give me finance The Black Prince would have been great to travel 250 miles to Liverpool at 110 mph on the unlimited new motorways Which I had been doing on my 350 Norton, but the journey was too much for it So my dream died I would have still had it now 60 years later I will cry till I die

[@Greg-nf2ir]

I don't know why but I like it when he does bikes more than cars. Keep up the good work Jay.

[@michaelwilen42]

I love these videos with the old classic bikes. Vincent ownership is a bucket list item for me. Love the early automotive shows as well. Thanks for sharing all of this amazing history.

[@bunberrier]

What a treasure this found its way to you where it will be kept well for the future. You are a historian, Jay. Thank God.

[@Amir-kc9yu]

Am I the only one who enjoys the sound of Jay tinkering with the thing?

[@ChicanoOne760]

Yes

[@AxLWake]

Great bike, great video. I like how Jay takes the time to unscrew things to lift the rear end up, take the panels off so we can see how everything works. So cool. That Vincent engine sure is beautiful. And sounds great as well.

[@georgecostanza2695]

I’ve watched this video over about ten times, something about this bike just mesmerizes me… plus it sounds great!

[@bharatc.sampat6406]

Absolutely Superb. Used to ride all these. 80’s UK. Thanks for this video. Great service to the world today

[@johnmcclain3887]

I don't think anything else sounds like a Vincent. Thanks for taking us out for a ride, Jay.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

You gotta love the old bike videos. This Vincent model is futuristic for '55. 👍 😃

[@sidhawkwind8179]

Nice to see Jay go back to the roots of The Show and not doing car commercials as of late!

[@JohnLeePedimore]

One of your best episodes yet.

[@luisestebanr6311]

gorgeous, black an gold, like the f1 lotus '79!!!!!

[@wollaminfaetter]

If you thought you new everything: Enter J. Leno! This was a surprise to me (y) What a treat! I would LØØØVE to arrive at work on this dinosaur! Thanks allot.

[@davidaldrich3488]

Jay…….good to see you properly dressed and you actually keep both hands on the the grips throughout the ride Your knowledge of the vehicles you show always amazes me. Good show always Ty

[@williamwinslowhansen]

Design vs function often don’t shake hands and agree to get along . This bike is absolutely gorgeous . I think the cladding looks fabulous and it serves a important service . I am surprised that it has fibreglass parts and more surprised how well it’s stood up. Jay without you I’d never have known this beautiful piece of British motor vehicle history existed . My god that v twin is amazing looking . That said I think the fairing on this is quite amazing. The dash is minimal perfection. Just gorgeous . Yup I love that motorcycle it’s fantastic .

[@wyore4344]

Jay. thanks to you and your team for all the Hard Work and Great Video Content. we all really appreciate the quality and your conversationalism. all the best to you and yours. regards. walt+mrs.

[@browngreen933]

As someone who didn't own a car for several years and rode a motorcycle year around to school and to work, I very much appreciate such a practical machine.

[@melvinburwell8202]

I know nothing about classic bikes. But thanks to Jay. I'm learning. 👍🙈😎🤑

[@stevetuttle5472]

Amazing, so far ahead of it’s time!

[@michaelhaverty541]

Thanks for sharing. The black shadow, is a classic Beauty. Again thanks for bringing her back.. cheers.

[@donsuchy2529]

All your videos are so much fun to watch, thank you! Your love of vehicles really comes through to the viewer. Keep this up, it’s a great pleasure when ever a new video is posted.

[@LuciFeric137]

Vincent came up with the coolest names. Brit style. Love the gothic script. Bodywork Reminds me of a Honda Dream.

[@marklacasse6794]

An incredible piece of machinery, thanks Jay!

[@haralddunkel7654]

I really like Jay’s presentations of vintage motorcycles.

[@jonfd1]

That motor is a work of art. Amazing looking bike

[@Jim-MT]

I remember maybe it was 40 some years ago on a trip back to my home town in San Pedro driving past a small store and seeing a Vincent in the window on PCH downtown. I stopped and took my kids and Wife inside. To my amazement, there sat maybe 6 or 8 Vincents which all looked road worthy and, even though I don't remember the prices on them, they seemed to be VERY inexpensive. I will never forget that day!

[@billsherer9815]

WOW..How great is this?.... As always it's not just about the bike or car...it's the details about the " back story " A true historical narrative. SOOOOOO cool!

[@michaellanglie5502]

Thanks for clearing that up Jay. I've seen one of these many years ago on the road. I thought it was a Vincent Scooter.

[@smokinjoe6924]

What a beautiful engine and it sounds as good as it looks.Hard to believe it's all original it's so well kept.Love the old motorcycle videos Thanks for sharing your collection and not just hiding them away.

[@greatkingrat]

A real privilege to see this, thanks Jay. Yes I did really enjoy it.

[@richardbehrle1496]

Amazing! The engineering on those bikes was so good at the time.

[@svoceanrhythms1209]

There should be "love" button. What a great bike!!

[@Javier_eu]

Thanks for showing this Master piece

[@wizardofahhhs759]

For a guy of Jay's t.v. fame he's fairly knowledgeable about every vehicle he collects

[@johnb5519]

That's a beautiful bike. I would say that most of the British bikes were made with quality, and are simple and easy to work on compared to most other makes. Like everything, we don't know what we've got till it's gone.

[@robertlewis3712]

Jay thanks for preserving and presenting these bikes. I’ve never seen one of these bikes. Excellent example, beautiful.

[@paulhansen7667]

I still ride a black PC800 to work once a week. People do think it’s a big scooter but I love it. That Vincent would be a perfect match!

[@markwellington1254]

I think it is a beautiful motorcycle and ahead of it's time! There are some very good engineering that went into it.

[@Hungry_Hunter]

Best sounding engine ever made. The Vincent was and still is the standard for quality and style,

[@donfronterhouse4759]

I don't know anything about these bikes but it looks nice and has a really good sound. Thanks Jay for your generosity in sharing these machines. I'd love now to ride one knowing their proud heritage.

[@alanjl61]

So ugly it's beautiful... love the way the fairing makes it even more understated! It sounds completely wonderful!

[@stevedavis2473]

A black series D was for sale here in Victoria Australia a few months ago for $145.000.

[@retroarcade6351]

Thank you, Jay! More motorcycles, more!

[@1StopWatch202]

From cars to motorcycles’ Mr Leno is a true aficionado, I love it !!

[@richardhall916]

I love your channel Jay! Your stories, knowledge, and passion are legendary!

[@nightcrawleroriginal]

Learn something new everyday, never even knew this bike existed (until today), great history lesson Jay, thanks. :) NC

[@nicklewis7291]

I always enjoy the history of the automobiles you feature on here.

[@Ganiscol]

It kinda looks like it could fold up into a very large suitcase and be taken into the office 😄

[@CDBC]

That was just excellent! That bike's the same age as me, but probably in better shape. Ideal for Jay - no turn signals!

[@patjackson1657]

Your hope fulfilled! I sure did enjoy this. Back when you and I were reading all the car mags we could get our hands on, I also read all the motorcycle mags. I was fascinated by the Arial 4 square, and in England, years back, I finally saw one. It was in the window of a used dealership, but it was Sunday and it was closed. My photos didn't turn out well because of reflection on the glass. If you have one of those, I would enjoy that as well.

[@crankybear1236]

It always amazes me how Vincent was so far ahead of its time.

[@johnvoss5317]

Very classy look. With or without the covers

[@barryperdue7520]

Jay, near Marysville Ohio were a pair of bros. John and Harry Belville. John ran a motorcycle sales and repair shop focused mainly on Nortons and Triumphs and was a very good mechanic. At the time I owned a 1967 Norton Atlas 750 and later a1972 Norton Commando, But Harry had purchased the remaining inventory of the Vincent company and would build an occasinal bike and sell it. This was 1969-70. I never managed to own a Vincent, but boy they were cool.

[@danagreen6518]

pretty cool unit, never seen one before, thanks for this episode

[@neilperry2224]

I first read about one of these motorcycles, in of all things a children's book. The bike became a hero with two of the main characters, I read it when I was 11 I think. And have loved mc's ever since.

[@neilperry2224]

@junko what?

[@ac9110]

Jay's videos are just awesome. Love the fact he likes Vincent motorcycles as they were built in the same town (Stevenage, England) as I was.

[@christopherhughes8402]

Dear gods, listen to that exhaust! I f that doesn't stir the hearts of men than they're dead or beyond hope lol. Thank you Jay, thank you.

[@Android-vk8yh]

Beautiful piece of mechanical British art, Surely that cladding and shield was the first Superbike design 😀 👌

[@eddieg849]

Jay finally got rid of that old leather jacket and got a new one🎆🎇🎉🎊

[@killerb4202]

He had to dip into his savings 😂

[@Mr.Everything]

They likely 3D printed a copy of his old one.

[@Marauder252]

He got it for free. It was custom made from the measurements of his old jacket. If I remeber correct Arai did it as a surprise gift for Jay. It was in an other video some years ago. They also gave Jay a new helmet.